Oregon State University · 9 hours ago
Faculty Research Assistant: Microbiology (Aquatic Animal Health)
Corvallis, OR
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$47K/yr - $49K/yrOregon State University is inviting applications for a Faculty Research Assistant position in the Department of Microbiology. The role involves supporting research on aquatic animal health, particularly focusing on diseases affecting salmonids and zebrafish, while ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations and contributing to scientific communication.
EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Maintain zebrafish vivarium operations including daily health monitoring, water quality management, breeding colony maintenance, and system troubleshooting
Maintain salmonid populations for transmission experiments and research studies
Monitor fish health and welfare across species in compliance with OSU IACUC and BioSafety requirements
Oversee care across multiple facilities including zebrafish vivarium, Fish Disease Hall, Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, and associated facilities
Coordinate with Facilities staff regarding system maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure needs
Respond to emergency situations including equipment failures, water system issues, power outages, and flooding events
Order and manage laboratory supplies, feed, and materials
Perform necropsies on fish and isolate pathogens, including those that may infect humans
Characterize parasitic, bacterial, and viral pathogens using phenotypic and molecular methods (PCR, qPCR, histology, microscopy, cell culture)
Participate in field sample collection at off-site locations including hatcheries, rivers, tribal facilities, and public collection sites
Process and archive biological samples according to laboratory protocols
Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including thermocyclers, microscopes, and aquatic system components
Analyze molecular and epidemiological data using appropriate software and bioinformatics tools
Assist with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis
Maintain accurate records and contribute to research documentation
Assist with IACUC protocol maintenance, amendments, and compliance documentation
Provide guidance and training to undergraduate and graduate students working with fish
Train personnel on proper equipment use and maintenance
Ensure lab safety compliance and proper technique among trainees
Coordinate student schedules for animal care coverage
Contribute to manuscript development including data visualization, methods documentation, and literature review
Assist with manuscript preparation, editing, and revision processes
Support preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and research presentations
Contribute to research presentations and posters for scientific conferences and community meetings
Maintain organized datasets and documentation to facilitate publication
Travel to conferences and workshops for continued professional development and dissemination of research findings
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the field in which research is being conducted (e.g., biology, microbiology, fisheries, aquaculture, veterinary science, or related fields)
Experience with basic molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)
Ability to respond to emergencies outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Current, valid Driver's License that must be maintained throughout employment
BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) training or ability to complete upon hire
Ability to work both on main campus and at off-site facilities as needed
Physical ability to perform animal husbandry duties including lifting supplies, standing for extended periods, and responding to emergency situations
Preferred
Master's degree in biology, microbiology, fisheries, aquaculture, or related discipline
Formal training in fish husbandry, fisheries, and/or aquaculture
Experience maintaining fish in experiments, performing fish necropsy procedures, and establishing/conducting in vivo transmission studies with fish
Experience with advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, including qPCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and assay optimization
Experience with bioinformatics tools, sequence analysis software, or statistical analysis programs
Experience with bacteriology culture and biochemical identifications
Experience with zebrafish husbandry systems and breeding colony management
Experience with aquatic animal health management and disease diagnostics
Familiarity with diverse aquatic pathogen groups (parasites, bacteria, viruses)
Experience with field sample collection and processing in aquatic environments
Experience with community-engaged research, tribal partnerships, or collaborative projects with natural resource agencies
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including community partners, agency personnel, and tribal representatives
Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or technical reports
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel for professional development and research dissemination
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Company
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public research university that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple fields.
Founded in 1868
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oregon State University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (146)
2024 (148)
2023 (91)
2022 (115)
2021 (72)
2020 (59)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$94.53MKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseUS Department of EnergyNational Safety Council
2025-01-13Grant· $11.9M
2024-12-04Grant· $0.5M
2024-06-13Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Mike Green
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Kimya Massey
Deputy Athletic Director/COO at Oregon State University Athletics
Recent News
Sports Business Journal
2025-12-16
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